1. Tell us about your position with Head Start.

I am currently serving as the Lead Teacher in a "Blended Classroom", meaning that some of the students are Head Start students while others are state funded, KERA preschool students. Every student receives and enjoys the same classroom experiences. The only difference in the two programs is the funding source.

2. How long have you been with Head Start?

I have been with Head Start since January 14, 1991. Head Start did not offer services in Magoffin County when I was a preschooler. However, it became available in my community during the 1973-74 school year, when I was a first grader. My seven younger siblings all attended Head Start.

3. What do you like most about working with Head Start?

I will have to say that my most favorite part of working with Head Start is the children. I love watching their eyes light up when they grasp a concept or master a skill for the first time. I enjoy the knowledge that those tiny hands I hold for a brief space of time hold endless possibilities to do great things in life. I have been blessed to teach many children over the years and this year I have three students who have a parent that I taught in the past. Also, for a short time, I had an assistant who was one of my former students. I enjoy the fact that families are recognized as a child's first teacher and are encouraged to be active participants in their child's Head Start experience.

4. What makes you laugh the most?

The thing that makes me laugh the most is the funny things that children say! There is never a day in the classroom that there isn't at least one funny comment made! One of my favorites from today: "____broked my heart cause he didn't want to slide on the slide with me." I replied, "Well maybe he will want to slide with you later." She said, "Maybe so, but when he broked my heart I didn't want him to play in the sand first!"

5. What is your favorite book and why is it your favorite book?

My favorite book is the Bible. It is my favorite book because it is the inspired Word Of God. It contains unchanging wisdom, unerring guidance, and everlasting hope.

6. What is your favorite childhood memory?

My favorite childhood memory is of Sunday dinners at my Granny and Pap Castle's house. Every Sunday my mom and dad and my sisters and brothers would go to their house. They were the best grandparents ever! As soon as you walked in the door you could smell dinner cooking. Granny made each of our favorite foods! Usually she made fried chicken, beef roast, and spaghetti, along with mashed potatoes, corn, green beans, and biscuits. She always made banana pudding, chocolate pie, and some kind of cake. This tradition was the setting for long evenings listening to stories of their childhood days and how the world had changed. Sometimes cousins and extended family came over too, and there would be new games to play or occasionally Pap would lead us in singing hymns. I realize now, that the memory of feeling apart of this close, loving family who was always there no matter what changes life brought to me, is what I cherish most.

7. What was your favorite subject in school?

I have always loved reading and after that science was my favorite subject. In the fourth grade my teacher assigned me a book on Louis Pasteur and my interest in science began and continues today.

8. If you were stranded on a deserted island, who would you want to have with you and why?

I would want my mom with me because she has always been able to make a situation more bearable with her love and wisdom.

9. Do you collect anything?

Yes, I collect novels written by Grace Livingston Hill. I read the first of her books when I was fifteen and was captivated by it! I have ninety of her books in my collection.

10. What is your favorite song and why is it your favorite?

My favorite song is "Beluah Land". It's my favorite because it paints a picture of a Glorious Promise of what awaits those who are saved by God's Grace.

11. What is your favorite holiday and why is it your favorite?

My favorite holiday is Easter. I love Easter because it celebrates the Risen Savior, it happens in the spring, and there's Reese's eggs.